Ninja Gaiden: Master Collection

The main pros of the game

• Challenging Gameplay: The game is praised for its high difficulty level, providing a rewarding challenge for players who enjoy mastering skills and strategies.
• Fluid Combat System: Users appreciate the dynamic and fast-paced combat, which requires precision and quick reflexes. The variety of weapons and combos adds depth to the gameplay.
• Visual Appeal: The remaster offers improved graphics and performance, with some users noting the aesthetic appeal of character designs and environments.
• Exploration and Secrets: The game encourages exploration with hidden items, weapons, and secrets, enhancing the replayability.
• Character Design: Many players enjoy the character designs, including Ryu Hayabusa and other iconic figures from the series.

The main cons of the game

• Camera Issues: A recurring complaint is the camera control, which can hinder gameplay by obstructing views during critical moments.
• Platforming Mechanics: Players often find the platforming sections frustrating, with controls that can feel janky and lead to unnecessary deaths.
• Difficulty Curve: While many appreciate the challenge, some feel that the difficulty can be artificially inflated, leading to frustration rather than enjoyment.
• Inconsistent Boss Design: Boss encounters are seen as uneven, with some being poorly designed and others feeling like a test of patience rather than skill.
• Lack of Quality of Life Features: Players mention the absence of modern conveniences such as remappable controls and more intuitive tutorials.

The features or elements that are missing from the game according to users

• Restoration of Original Content: Many reviews suggest that the game is inferior to Ninja Gaiden Black and recommend mods to restore content and features that were removed or altered in this version.
• Improved Control Options: Users express a desire for the ability to remap controls and customize settings more extensively.
• Enhanced AI and Enemy Design: Some players feel that enemy AI could be improved, as certain encounters feel unfair or tedious.
• In-game Tutorials: There is a call for better in-game guidance to help new players understand mechanics without needing external resources.
• More Varied Difficulty Settings: Some players wish for a more balanced approach to difficulty, particularly in the higher levels, to make the game accessible to a broader audience.

Summary

• Overall, while NINJA GAIDEN ? is celebrated for its challenging gameplay and engaging combat, it also faces criticism regarding its technical execution and certain design choices. The community's enthusiasm for mods highlights a desire to enhance the experience further, reflecting both nostalgia and a commitment to the series' legacy.

Summary generated on: November 17, 2025